Job overview
This Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) role is dedicated to supporting the Memory Assessment Services across Oldham, Rochdale, and Bury. The post holder will play a pivotal role in enhancing diagnostic capacity within these services, ensuring timely and accurate assessments for individuals presenting with memory-related concerns. This priority focus will contribute to improved patient outcomes and streamlined service delivery across the region.
The Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP), Band 8a, is a senior clinical role responsible for delivering high-quality, evidence-based care to patients with complex and diverse mental health needs. The ACP operates within the four pillars of advanced practice: clinical care, education, research, and leadership. This multifaceted role requires autonomy, advanced clinical skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.
Ongoing professional and personal development is integral to the role. The ACP is expected to participate in regular performance reviews, maintain professional registration, and engage in continuous learning to ensure the highest standards of care.
We will also consider applicants wishing to join as a trainee ACP; these positions will be remunerated at Band 7 until full qualification is achieved
Main duties of the job
The ACP acts as an autonomous practitioner, conducting advanced clinical assessments, diagnoses, and treatments for patients referred to the team. The ACP is responsible for triaging and prioritising referrals, monitoring patient progress, and making necessary modifications to care plans. The role may involve non-medical prescribing within the scope of professional practice and requires maintaining accurate, contemporaneous records in line with local and national guidelines.
Leadership and Communication:
The ACP provides visible clinical leadership, advocating for patients and carers, and championing integrated, patient-centred care. The role involves supporting the development and implementation of protocols and care pathways, facilitating communication across multidisciplinary teams, and promoting partnership working across organisational boundaries. The ACP is instrumental in service planning, quality improvement, and change management, ensuring that patient care is coordinated and seamless.
The ACP is accountable for managing clinical environments and resources, ensuring compliance with Trust policies, and upholding standards of business conduct, equality, and diversity. The role requires strict adherence to confidentiality, information governance, and safeguarding policies. The ACP is also expected to contribute to sustainability initiatives, such as reducing waste and promoting biodiversity, in line with the Trust’s commitment to Net Zero Carbon targets.
Working for our organisation
We are proud to provide high quality mental health and learning disability services, both inpatient and in the community across five boroughs of Greater Manchester - Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport and Tameside and Glossop.
Our vision is for a happier and more hopeful life for everyone in our communities and our staff work hard to deliver the very best care for the people who use our services. We’re really proud of our #PennineCarePeople and do everything we can to make sure we’re a great place to work.
All individuals regardless of race, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership are encouraged to apply for this post. We would also encourage applications from individuals with a lived experience of mental illness, either individually or as a carer.
If you come and work for us we will offer a range of benefits and opportunities, including:
* Generous annual leave entitlement for Agenda for Change and Medical and Dental staff.
* Flexible working opportunities to support your work/life balance
* Access to Continued Professional Development
* Involvement in improvement and research activities
* Health and Wellbeing activities and access to an excellent staff wellbeing service
* Access to staff discounts across retail, leisure and travel
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Main Responsibilities:
The Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) Band 8a is responsible for delivering high-quality, evidence-based care across the four pillars of advanced practice: clinical care, education, leadership, and research. Clinically, the ACP acts as an autonomous practitioner, conducting advanced assessments, diagnoses, and treatments for patients with complex mental health conditions. This includes triaging referrals, managing caseloads, initiating investigations, and prescribing where appropriate. The ACP ensures care is safe, effective, and aligned with governance frameworks, while also maintaining accurate records and safeguarding vulnerable individuals. In education, the ACP leads teaching programmes, mentors junior staff and students, and contributes to a culture of continuous learning. Leadership responsibilities include promoting integrated care, coordinating service delivery, managing clinical sessions, and driving quality improvement initiatives. The ACP also engages in research and service evaluation, contributing to the development of best practices and evidence-based protocols.
-----------------------------------
Job Description:
This role is embedded within the Memory Assessment Services across Oldham, Rochdale, and Bury, with a priority focus on enhancing diagnostic capacity. The ACP will provide advanced clinical input to support timely and accurate memory assessments, working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and external agencies. The post holder will lead on service development, ensuring that referrals are appropriately triaged and that care pathways are efficient and patient-centred. They will be instrumental in initiating and managing change, promoting professional leadership, and ensuring seamless transitions between community and inpatient services. The ACP will also contribute to sustainability goals, uphold standards of equality and confidentiality, and maintain compliance with health and safety and infection control policies. This role demands a highly visible clinical presence, a proactive approach to service improvement, and a commitment to delivering compassionate, person-centred care.
Person specification
essential
Essential criteria
* Qualified advanced Clinical Practitioner
Desirable criteria
* Experience in working in older adult services
📝 Application support - We also offer virtual application support sessions each month, where you will learn some hints and tips to support you in completing your application form. To secure your place, and to find out more visit the on our website.
🌍 Sponsorship Information - We are an approved sponsoring organisation. Applications will be considered from applicants requiring sponsorship alongside all other applications. Please be aware, not all roles are eligible for sponsorship. You can review the list of eligible role and requirements on the
📬 After You Apply - Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive updates via email. Shortlisting is based on how well you meet the criteria outlined in the person specification. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, and invitations will be sent by email.
✅ If You're Offered the Role - If successful, the hiring manager will contact you directly with a verbal offer. They will then notify the Recruitment Team and submit the necessary paperwork. You’ll receive a formal conditional offer via email
🔍 Pre-Employment Checks - To confirm your suitability for the role, we will carry out pre-employment checks in line with. These include:
* Identity verification
* Right to work check
* Disclosure and barring service (DBS)/Criminal record check (dependent on role)
* Professional registration and/or qualification check
* Occupational health assessment
* Employment history and reference validation
All applicants external to Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust will be required to provide their to cover the most recent three years employment. This information will used to validate employment history and references.
If you require sponsorship, we will assess your eligibility based on current If the role is not eligible and you cannot demonstrate your right to work, your conditional offer may be withdrawn.
🚀 Once Checks Are Complete -
The Recruitment Team will coordinate with you and the hiring manager to confirm a start date. You’ll be booked onto a Trust Welcome Session and receive your Pennine Care NHS Terms and Conditions.
📣 Additional Information -
We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds to help us grow, innovate, and improve.
If you wish to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme, you will be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria for the role.
If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact us on 0161 716 3181 as early as possible so we can support you.
Please note:
* We do not accept unsolicited contact from recruitment agencies. Hiring managers should not be contacted directly.
* We may close vacancies early if we receive a high volume of applications. To ensure your application is considered, please apply as soon as possible.